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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A harmonic given off by a note when it is played.






2. A 19th century square dance written for 4 couples.






3. Repetition of a single tone.






4. One of the two modes of the tonal system. The minor mode can be identified by the dark - melancholic mood.






5. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






6. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






7. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






8. The intonation - pitch - and modulation of a composition expressing the meaning - feeling - or attitude of the music.






9. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






10. A curve over notes to indicate that a phrase is to be played legato.






11. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played smoothly.






12. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






13. A composition written for three voices and instruments performed by three people






14. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






15. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






16. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






17. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






18. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






19. The first section of a movement written in sonata form - introducing the melodies and themes.






20. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






21. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






22. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






23. The unit of musical rhythm.






24. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






25. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






26. A musical theme given to a particular idea or main character of an opera.






27. A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.






28. The interval between two notes. Three whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






29. A musical composition written solely to improve technique. Often performed for artistic interest.






30. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






31. An instruction in sheet music to play softly. Abbreviated by a 'p'.






32. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






33. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






34. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






35. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






36. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






37. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






38. A set of six musicians who perform a composition written for six parts.






39. Singing in unison - texts in a free rhythm. Similar to the rhythm of speech.






40. A musical theme given to a particular idea or main character of an opera.






41. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






42. A reprise.






43. Where the musical themes and melodies are developed - written in sonata form.






44. Written for 2 to 10 solo parts featuring one instrument to a part. Each part bears the same importance.






45. A canon where the melody is sung in two or more voices. After the first voice begins - the next voice starts singing after a couple of measures are played in the preceding voice. All parts repeat continuously.






46. A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.






47. A complex piece of music. Usually the first movement of the piece serving as the exposition - a development - or recapitulation.






48. Closing section of a movement.






49. The playing or singing the upper half of the vocal range. Also the highest voice in choral singing.






50. Successive notes of a key or mode either ascending or descending.